A Bruno Fernandes double, a well-taken header from Harry Maguire and a strike from Rasmus Hojlund avoided more embarrassment for the Red Devils and Erik ten Hag
The brilliant Bruno Fernandes stepped up to spare Erik ten Hag’s blushes as Manchester United came from behind on two occasions to beat Premier League bottom dwellers Sheffield United 4-2.
The relegation-threatened visitors took a surprise lead in 35 minutes when wing-back Jayden Bogle capitalised on a howler from Andre Onana. This gave the Blades hope of causing an upset, as they did at Old Trafford in 2021. But just like in that famous 2-1 win during Chris Wilder’s first stint, one of their own levelled the scores.
Having netted in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry, Harry Maguire scored for the second game in a row. He once again showed his aerial prowess to finally beat the excellent Wes Foderingham on the goalkeeper’s return to the Blades’ staring XI. Ben Brereton Diaz then restored their lead after more slack United defending, only for Fernandes to grab the Red Devils an equalizer.
Fernandez then unleashed a left-footed rocket to put the home team in the lead before Rasmus Hojlund sealed the three points by converting Fernandes’ cross, inflicting more misery for Wilder.
It’s not a run which Bruno Fernandes will look back on with much fondness. But seven goals in five games regardless of your team’s results is nothing to be sniffed at. When Maguire was bundled over in the box, United’s captain stepped up to the spot and produced an emphatic strike which Foderingham would’ve done well to stop even if he’d gone the right way.
But it was his second goal of the night that made the difference; a left-footed strike from 20 yards out (and the top drawer) which flew past the helpless Foderingham. It was a game in which the Red Devils’ leaders had to step up, and Maguire and Fernandes did exactly that to avoid another humiliating result.
Hojlund then ended his goal drought and made the scoreline a much more comfortable one that than perhaps United deserved.
As Ten Hag was comfortable enough to make a couple of late substitutions, under-18 striker Ethan Wheatley became the 250 graduate of United’s famous academy. He showed promise, too, looking sharp and perhaps giving the Red Devils boss another striking option in what’s set to be a crucial final few games of the season, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe weighs up the Dutchman’s future.